William H. Johnson
Pictured above on the right with Jeff Kendall and Larry Knopfel
Three Generations of ESA Golf Tournament Chairmen
Bill passed away peacefully on Monday, April 23, 2018. Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Norma (Worley); sons Paul and Wayne (Ginnie) Johnson; grandchildren Elizabeth (Parker) Melvin, Sarah, and Caroline Johnson; great-granddaughter Rosie Melvin; many nieces and nephews. Born the third son to Harry and Mable Johnson on March 8, 1920 in Sheridan, IN. Bill graduated from University City High School in 1938 and went on to attend Washington University for one year before joining the army. He served as a Sergeant in WWII stationed in the South Pacific.
He then returned and graduated from UCLA with an aeronautical engineering degree. Bill began his career as an entrepreneur by co-founding Johnson Industrial Supply Company in 1952. Combining his passion for inventing and gardening, Bill later created the Jisco Earth Auger that is still being distributed throughout the US.
Bill was an active leader in the Boy Scouts of America, Sea Scouts and the Eagle Scout Association. Through his hard work and dedication, he became the President of the Eagle Scout Association and was bestowed with the Silver Beaver Award in 2001. Bill was instrumental in many ESA projects and activities, as well as being a great mentor to younger ESA members.
Bill was an active member of Ladue Chapel for over 55 years, serving as an elder and deacon. In his spare time Bill also found joy in coaching baseball, golfing and woodworking.
Bill put others first. He will be remembered for his optimistic, giving and caring nature and will be missed by his family and his many friends.
Services: Memorial service Sat., Apr. 28, 2018, 12:30 p.m. at Ladue Chapel, 9450 Clayton Rd. Private inurnment, St. Andrew's Memorial Garden at Ladue Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to the Eagle Scout Association of St. Louis, PO Box 410436, Creve Coeur, MO 63141. Arrangements by Bopp Chapel.
Published in St. Louis Post-Dispatch from Apr. 26 to Apr. 27, 2018
